BREAKING: TikTok has restored service in the US less than 24 hours after being banned nationwide. But the truth behind it has people… see more

After President Joe Biden’s administration said it won’t enforce a ban before Donald Trump takes office, the president-elect announced his hope to not let “TikTok stay dark”

Stock image of social media user on TikTok in December 2024. Photo:NurPhoto via Getty Stock Photos

TikTok has restored service in the U.S. less than 24 hours after its nationwide shutdown.

On Sunday, Jan. 19, TikTok announced on X, via an official statement shared to its policy account, that it is “in the process of restoring service” to Americans after going dark the night prior.

“We thank President Trump for providing the necessary clarity and assurance to our service providers that they will face no penalties providing TikTok to over 170 million Americans and allowing over 7 million small businesses to thrive,” the statement continued, referring to President-elect Donald Trump’s recent comments about not letting “TikTok stay dark.”

“It’s a strong stand for the First Amendment and against arbitrary censorship,” the statement added. “We will work with President Trump on a long-term solution that keeps TikTok in the United States.”

As of 1 p.m. EST on Jan. 19, users are able to access the app.

A spokesperson for TikTok did not immediately respond to PEOPLE’s request for more information.

A woman opens Tiktok on her smartphone. Helena Dolderer/picture alliance via Getty

TikTok’s return comes hours after its Saturday night shut down, when those who opened the app were greeted with a message that read, “Sorry, TikTok isn’t available right now.”

“A law banning TikTok has been enacted in the U.S. Unfortunately, that means you can’t use TikTok for now,” the message continued, before referring to Trump’s indicatiation that he would “work with us on a solution to reinstate TikTok once he takes office” on Monday, Jan. 20.

TikTok’s pop-up message changed throughout the day, with a recent message noting that it was “working to restore our service in the U.S.”

The Supreme Court previously ruled on Jan. 17 that the law forcing TikTok to cease U.S. operations if it didn’t divest from Chinese ownership was constitutional, following the sell-or-ban legislation being passed by congress and signed by Joe Biden last year.

Essentially, ByteDance — the owners of TikTok — would have to either sell the app over fears China’s government could use its data to harm Americans, or shut down. TikTok has previously denied that information on the app would be shared with the Chinese government, calling it “outright censorship of the American people.”

Following the court’s decision, White House Press Secretary Karine Jean-Pierre said, “President Biden’s position on TikTok has been clear for months. … TikTok should remain available to Americans, but simply under American ownership or other ownership that addresses the national security concerns identified by Congress in developing this law.”

She also shared that due to the “sheer fact of timing, this Administration recognizes that actions to implement the law simply must fall to the next Administration, which takes office on Monday.”

User holds up TikTok in front of American flag. Jaap Arriens/NurPhoto via Getty

Trump — who initially revealed a plan to ban TikTok from operating in the U.S. during his first term in office in April 2020 — announced the following morning that he intended to issue an executive order to stall its federal ban and keep the platform running, at least temporarily.

On Jan. 19, the 78-year-old politician wrote on his Truth Social platform that he would “issue an executive order on Monday to extend the period of time before the law’s prohibitions take effect, so that we can make a deal to protect our national security.” His message arrived a day after a phone interview with NBC News’ Meet the Press moderator Kristen Welker, during which he also teased a potential 90-day extension for TikTok.

“The order will also confirm that there will be no liability for any company that helped keep TikTok from going dark before my order,” Trump wrote. “Americans deserve to see our exciting Inauguration on Monday, as well as other events and conversations.”

In the same post, the president-elect shared an “initial thought” of the U.S. having 50% ownership in TikTok via a “joint venture,” between the app’s “current owners and/or new owners.”

“By doing this, we save TikTok, keep it in good hands and allow it to [stay] up,” he wrote. 

Related Posts

TRISTES NOTICIAS: Hace 40 MINUTOS en Texas, al menos 13 personas murieron en inundaciones históricas y más de 20 niños estaban desaparecidos en un campamento de verano para niñas después de una inundación repentina, incluida la hija de… Más

Una tragedia devastadora se ha desatado en Texas: inundaciones repentinas sin precedentes se cobraron la vida de al menos 13 personas y dejaron a más de 20 niños desaparecidos en…

Read more

SAD NEWS: 40 MINUTES ago in Texas, at least 13 people were killed in historic flooding and more than 20 children were missing at a girls’ summer camp after flash flooding, including the daughter of … See more

A devastating tragedy has unfolded in Texas as unprecedented flash floods have claimed the lives of at least 13 people and left more than 20 children missing at a girls’…

Read more

ÚLTIMAS NOTICIAS: Hace 30 minutos, el multimillonario Elon Musk y el presidente de los Estados Unidos tuvieron un feroz conflicto y una acalorada guerra de palabras después de que Elon Musk y la Primera Dama… más

ÚLTIMAS NOTICIAS: Elon Musk y el presidente de EE. UU. en un acalorado enfrentamiento tras un polémico encuentro con la primera dama En un impactante suceso que ha dejado atónitos…

Read more

LATEST NEWS: Elon Musk makes shocking claim that US President is ‘on Epstein’s file’ as feud between the two erupts and sanctions… more

BREAKING: Elon Musk Alleges U.S. President Is ‘On Epstein’s File’ as Their Feud Escalates and Sanctions Threaten to Follow In a jaw-dropping turn of events that has rocked the political…

Read more

Melissa Blake: Fighting Back Against Online Bullies with Strength and Selfies

The internet, a space often celebrated for connection and empowerment, can also become a breeding ground for cruelty. For journalist and writer Melissa Blake, the harsh reality of online bullying…

Read more

SHOCKING NEWS: What they found in Pope Francis’ room will leave you speechless, including… more

Vatican City – In a move that has sent ripples through the Roman Catholic world, Cardinal Jean-Marc Aveline has finally stepped forward to share his thoughts on Pope Francis—after years…

Read more

Leave a Reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *